It's Monday afternoon and I'm thinking about a question thrown at me by an acting student. I'm lucky to be teaching at my old drama school. I'm thinking of an answer.

As I think, I catch the glow of my phone. Missed call: Geordie Brookman. I'm thinking: "What could that be about?" Ten minutes later a colleague storms in and insists I answer an emergency call. It's Geordie, artistic director of South Australia's State Theatre Company. I'm thinking: "Oh no, something's wrong." I grab the phone, leave the room.

I return with the knowledge that in two days I will open The Kreutzer Sonata for State Theatre at the Adelaide Festival. It's a new adaptation of a Tolstoy novella. A one-man show. I start rehearsal Tuesday, open Wednesday. I'm thinking: "This is insane!"

Flash to Wednesday. I'm in my costume for the first time. I'm about to open. We have crammed five weeks of intensive work into one and a half days. I'm thinking: "Yes, this is definitely insane." I'm surrounded by an incredible company and the dream creative team. I'm thinking: "I'm very lucky to have them."

And now, the night after, relaxing after my second show, I'm thinking of Barry Otto. One of our greatest actors, the actor who I replaced due to illness. I'm thinking of him. I'm thinking that I want to dedicate my work to him. And to Geordie.

I'm thinking of what Barry has done for our arts community through the generosity and brilliance of his work. I'm thinking that they are big shoes to fill and I'm so honoured to do it. I'm thinking … I'm thinking about that question that the student asked. I'm thinking …

The Kreutzer Sonata runs until March 17 at the Adelaide Festival Theatre